"Madre is an excellent place for a casual weeknight dinner, business lunch, or a date with someone you don’t know very well. This updated Oaxacan spot has plenty of space, so your conversation isn’t going to get derailed because the table next to you is having a heated argument about whether Tupac is still alive. Get the mezcal margarita and order the queso fundido to start. For entrees, focus on the moles—we like the coloradito best—with either chicken thighs or short ribs." - brant cox, nikko duren, kat hong, garrett snyder, sylvio martins